In the statement, Ailina and Bella Tsarnaev said "Our heart goes out the victims of last week's bombing. It saddens us to see so many innocent people hurt after such a callous act. As a family, we are absolutely devastated by the sense of loss and sorrow this has caused. We don't have any answers but we look forward to a thorough investigation and hope to learn more. We ask the media to respect our privacy during this difficult time."
Ailina Tsarneav has been holed up with her husband and baby at their apartment building in West New York, New Jersey.
Attorney Joseph Ginarte said it's a very difficult time for the family.
"You can imagine what they are going through," he said, declining further comment.
The woman spoke briefly early Friday through a barely open door to Eyewitness News. That was after elder brother Tamerlan was killed in a gunfight with police outside Boston, but before the capture of her younger brother, Dzhokhar.
She said she was sorry for the families that lost loved ones. She also said she wasn't sure what had gotten into her two brothers, but also that she didn't know what was true.
Mayor Felix Roque said he visited the apartment late Friday, shortly after the younger brother's arrest. He said Ailina Tsarnaeva's other sister was also present at the time.
"They were grieving, very somber, hugging each other, crying, towels in their face. It was very, a very sad thing, very depressing," he said Monday.
Ailina said she wanted to "set the record straight," but did not elaborate, the mayor said.
He said he offered to provide security if she did decide to make a public statement.
CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS FROM THE SCENE OF THE BOSTON MARATHON EXPLOSIONS
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